Learn about the recommended care for kittens.
Questions? Call us at 415-554-3030
Kitten Wellness Examinations
• Should begin at 2 months of age
• Frequency: Every 3–4 weeks
• Kitten vaccine boosters and parasite prevention
• Discuss preventive health and dental care, nutrition, and behavior counseling
Adolescent Wellness Examinations
• Should occur at 10 months of age
• Ensure your kitten is growing properly and maintaining ideal body weight
• Address any behavior concerns
• Discuss diet, nutrition and oral heath care
Annual Wellness Examinations
• Should occur at 16 months of age
• Adult vaccine boosters
• Nose to tail exam
• Discuss dental care, ongoing parasite prevention, nutrition, and lifestyle
Preventive Care
Vaccinations
FVRCP Vaccination: Protects against Feline Panleukopenia, an often fatal viral infection, plus two viruses that cause upper respiratory infections. Kittens are most susceptible to these viruses and require a series of vaccinations starting at 8 weeks of age and continuing every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Your kitten’s age, rather than the number of vaccines given, determines when they are considered fully boostered. This is a vaccine that all kittens should receive.
Rabies Vaccination: Protects against Rabies, a fatal infection that can affect all mammals, including people. The California Department of Public Health strongly encourages this vaccine for all cats, especially those that go outdoors. It is given at or after 12 weeks of age.
Feline Leukemia Vaccination: Protects against the Feline Leukemia Virus, which causes an often fatal infection that affects kittens and adult cats. We recommend this vaccine for all kittens. An initial vaccination is given at or after 8 weeks of age, with a booster vaccination 3 to 4 weeks after. We recommend that all kittens be tested for Feline Leukemia Virus prior to receiving their first booster.
Parasite Prevention
Flea Prevention*: Fleas are small parasites that live on the skin and generally cause itching and scratching. Fleas are commonly found in California and all kittens (even indoor-only) should be on a regular monthly preventive to control fleas.
Heartworm Prevention*: Heartworm is a parasite occasionally transmitted to cats through the bite of an infected mosquito. Heartworm disease is present throughout Northern California, as well as many other states. Kittens that regularly travel to heartworm-endemic areas should receive a regular monthly heartworm preventive starting as soon as possible.
Deworming*: Almost all kittens carry some type of intestinal parasite. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to people with serious health consequences. All kittens should receive regular monthly intestinal parasite deworming.
Additional Care
Spay/Neuter: If your new kitten is not yet spayed or neutered, this can be done once they finish their kitten vaccine series, usually between 4 and 6 months of age.
Microchipping: Microchipping increases the likelihood that your cat will be returned to you by 20 times if lost. It is inserted using a needle, similar to a vaccination. We strongly recommend all pets be microchipped.
FeLV and FIV Testing: Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) can infect kittens and adult cats. We recommend testing all new kittens before their first Feline Leukemia vaccine, and before introducing them to other cats in the household.
High Quality Nutrition*: By feeding measured amounts of high-quality kitten food, you will help ensure your kitten is growing and maintaining a good, lean body condition for optimal long term health.
*It’s important to discuss your pet’s specific needs with your veterinarian, who can recommend the safest and most effective products.